Designing for the Future: Trends to Watch in 2025
As we step into 2025, the design and architecture landscape is filled with uncertainty and is evolving at a rapid pace. Technological advancements, environmental imperatives, political changes, potential abrupt economic impacts and changing human needs are reshaping the way we think about spaces — both built and natural. It is more important than ever to use capital dollars to create buildings and spaces that serve people and advance mission. At SNDBX Design Collaborative, we’re always looking ahead, ensuring that our projects not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. Here are some of the most exciting trends we’re watching and how we have embodied them in our work.
1. Loose Fit Design
Over the previous 50-75 years, the American building market has overbuilt towards specificity (and a heavy reliance upon energy + technology – see #2 & #3 below). A more sustainable and usable way forward is to create buildings and spaces that have a ‘loose fit’ to their initial use and program. Yes, this is a different way of thinking about buildings than the ‘form follows function’ equation most popularly quoted. Consider older buildings that get repurposed into new uses today: adaptive reuse of existing buildings can only be successful if we create buildings that more easily allow for a variety of future use scenarios – a loose fit, or ‘duffle bag’ approach to designing buildings. This creates future opportunities for today’s resources (including person-hours!) to be of value over a longer time period. Simple choices such as exterior envelope materials, location of key infrastructure like plumbing, and floor to floor heights all determine the future usefulness of a building. Of course, today’s use or program is important, but so is designing for a building’s longevity.
2. Smart Buildings: The Intersection of Design and Technology
Smart technology is transforming buildings into responsive, adaptive environments. From energy-efficient lighting systems to AI-driven climate controls, the potential for intelligent design is boundless. In 2025, we expect smart buildings to take a more human-centric turn, focusing on user experience and adaptability. Our team is already integrating smart solutions into our projects, prioritizing systems that enhance comfort and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. For instance, Ozanam Inn Men’s Shelter will feature sensor-driven night-lighting and ventilation systems that respond to occupancy and environmental conditions in real time.
3. Net-Zero Construction: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow
Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a responsibility. Net-zero construction — where buildings produce as much energy as they consume — is set to dominate the conversation in 2025. This approach isn’t just about energy efficiency but also about material choices, waste reduction and lifecycle planning. We’re prioritizing net-zero principles in our designs via the Adaptive Reuse of buildings. By reusing buildings, leveraging renewable energy technologies, sourcing locally produced sustainable materials and implementing advanced insulation techniques, we aim to create structures that leave a minimal carbon footprint. Our upcoming projects will serve as benchmarks for sustainable design, proving that eco-friendly buildings can be both functional and aesthetically striking.
Looking Ahead
Designing for the future means more than staying on top of trends — it’s about anticipating needs, embracing innovation and committing to a sustainable vision of Adaptive Reuse. SNDBX Design Collaborative is excited to lead the way in creating spaces that are smarter, greener and more connected to the natural world. By integrating these trends into our projects, we’re shaping environments that inspire, empower and endure.
Stay tuned as we share updates on how these trends come to life in our work. Together, we can design a future that’s as beautiful as it is sustainable.